  Charlemagne had had a new palace built for him in a beautiful spot near the Rhine. When it was completed he went to visit it. The first night that he slept in the palace, a very strange incident occurred. An angel came and stood by his bedside. “Arise,” it seemed to say to him, “arise, go forth and enter secretly the house of Arnot.” The Emperor was so astonished at this command that he did not know what to do. He could scarcely believe that such an order could come from an angel, so he did not move, but the command was repeated, and then repeated again. When the angel commanded him the third time to go and enter secretly the house of Arnot, he arose, went quietly to As he was going along the dark way thoughtfully, he heard someone approaching, and he soon perceived that it was a knight clad in dark armor. Charlemagne could think of no good mission upon which a man could be riding at such an hour; so he challenged the man. “Whither goest thou, and upon what mission at this hour of the night?” he demanded. The knight did not answer, but put spurs to his horse and charged upon the Emperor. Seeing this movement, the Emperor did likewise, and the two met with a violent shock. Both were unhorsed, and in the hand to hand conflict which followed, the Emperor got the better of the unknown knight and brought him to the ground. With his sword at the throat of the knight he demanded his name. “Arise,” said the Emperor, without telling who he was, “and come with me. I am on a mission like thine own.” Without hesitating, the robber knight joined his conqueror. “I have vowed,” said the Emperor, “not to return home until I have broken into the house of the Emperor’s most trusted minister.” So saying, he led the way to the house of Arnot. Elbegast was not long in gaining entrance. Bidding his companion wait for him outside, he stole noiselessly into the house. As he approached the bed room of the minister, the sound of voices in earnest conversation came to his ears. He listened, and heard the minister disclose to his wife a plan for the murder of the Emperor on the following day. “I, myself would gladly go to save the Emperor’s life, but I would surely get into trouble, because of my many evil deeds, and more than likely the Emperor would not believe me. But whatever I have done, I hold great admiration for the man who has never been conquered in battle, and who has always worked for the good of his people.” Then Charlemagne and Elbegast parted, one returning to his stronghold in the mountains and the other retracing his steps slowly and thoughtfully to his palace. On the morrow the ministers attempted to carry out the plot which they had formed against the Emperor; but their plans were thwarted. Charlemagne took Charlemagne, however, was of a noble and generous nature, and pardoned all those who had conspired against him. This generosity on his part made them so ashamed of their plot that they vowed to serve him ever afterward with all true loyalty. And it is said that every one of them kept his promise faithfully. Charlemagne then set his mind upon reforming Elbegast, and sent a messenger to him, requesting him to come to the palace. “I, Charlemagne, Emperor of Germany,” his message ran, “would speak privately with Elbegast, the robber knight, and promise him safe conduct to and from the castle.” Elbegast came to the palace in response to the request of Charlemagne, and was admitted to the private council chamber. Soon a man entered, clad in armor; and Elbegast recognized the knight who had “Elbegast,” said Charlemagne, “you recognize me and yet you do not know me.” Then Charlemagne raised his visor, and the knight saw that he was standing in the presence of the Emperor. “You have done me,” went on the Emperor, “faithful duty, and I am ever in need of faithful servants, and offer you a place among my retainers. A man of your courage and skill is worthy of a place in the Emperor’s service.” Elbegast was so moved that he could scarcely speak. Charlemagne was the only man who had ever been able to disarm him, and he therefore admired him greatly. More than this, the kindness of the Emperor appealed to him. Accordingly he willingly forsook his evil way of life and became a devoted follower of the Emperor. |
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